The Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership Specialty provides seasoned nurse leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to lead complex and changing organizations and health care systems. This specialty is offered as a track within the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program or as a specialty certificate.

The curriculum of this specialty provides students the knowledge and skills to:

  • lead complex organizations by understanding people, organizations and the advanced use of multiple sources of data.

  • forecast and monitor trends in patient care, health care legislation and more.

  • develop skills in designing, implementing and evaluating care of populations to meet organizational goals.

  • comfortably and authoritatively manage fast-breaking situations, such as illness outbreaks, organizational emergencies or personnel issues.

  • develop and sustain a network of mentors and leaders to support you as your career continues and grows.

The ideal candidate for the Duke Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership Specialty is a senior nurse leader with five to ten years of experience in a leadership role, who aspires to an executive role. The Duke DNP Program is designed to meet the needs of a working professional. Classes are distance-based with up to one on-campus session each semester to deepen the understandings gained from course work alone.